Apparatus for applying tires to wheels.



No. 8l1,936. PATENTBD FEB. 6, 1906. A. R. LB MOON. APPARATUS FOR APPLYING TIRES TO WHEBLS.

APPLIOATION PILED NOV. 251903.

3 SHEBTS-SHEET 1.

\\\ \\\\\\\\\KY V/,i

No. 81l,936. PATENTED FEB. 6, 1906.

A. R. LE MOON. APPARATUS POR. APPLYING TIRES TO WHEELS.

,APPLICATION PILED NOV. 25.1903.

3 SHEETS-SHBET 2.

PATENTED PEB. 6, 1906.

A. R. LE MOON. APPARATUS.FOR APPLYING TIRES TO WHEELS.

APPLIOATION PILED NOV. 25 1903.

3 SHEETS-SHEBT 3.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE AXEL R. LE MOON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO NELSON & LE MOON, OF CHIOAGO, ILLINOIS, A COPARTNERSHIP APPARATUS FOR APPLYING TIRES TO WHEELS.

No. 811,93e.

Specificaton of Letters Patent,

Patented Feb. 6, 1906.

Application filed November 25, 1903. Serial No. 182,(350.

Te all whom it may conccrn:

Be it known that I, AXEL R. LE MOON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinos, have invented a new and useful Apparatus for Applying Tires to Wheels, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to apparatus for applying tires to wheels.

The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which is simple in Construction and efiicient in operation for applying rubber tires to wheels.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which is simple and efiieient for applying the side wires which hold rubber tires to the wheel-channel.

Other objects of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter.

The invention consists, substantially, in the construction, combination, location, and arrangement of parts, all as will be more 'l'ully hereinafter set forth, as shown in the aecompanying drawings, and finally pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings,

` and to the various views and reference-signs a view similar to Figs.

` the direction of the arrows.

appearing thereon, Figure l is a View in side elevation of a tire-applying device embodying the principles of my invention and showing the arrangement oi the same in applying the side wires to the rubber tire to hold the same in the wheel-channel. Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. l, parts broken out, showing a modified Construction embraced within the spirit and scope of my invention. Fig. 3 is a broken view in section on the line 3 3 of Fig. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows. Fig. 4 is 1 and 2, parts broken off, showing a Construction and arrangement embraced within the spirit and scope of my invention for drawing the ends of the rubber tire together. Fig. 5 is a broken detail View in section on the line 5 5, Fig. 4, looking in the direction of the arrows. Fi 6 is a similar view on the line 6 6, Fig. 2, looking in Fig. 7 is a view similar to Figs. 5 and 6, taken on the line 7 7, Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows. Fig. 8 is a view similar to Figs. 5, 6, and 7, taken on the line 8 S, Fig. 2, looking in the direction of the arrows.

The same part is designated by the same reference-sign wherever it occurs throughout the several views.

In the application of rubber tires to wheels it is customary to employ binding-wires for the purpose of efliciently binding or holding the rubber tire to the channel formed in the felly of the wheel. These binding-wires have ordinarily been applied in two ways namely, as inside wires-that is, the wires pass longitudinally through the rubber tire, as indi cated, for instance, in Fig. 5, and in the other case these binding-wires are applied as outside wires namely, to shoulders formed on the sides of the tire and inside of the fianges of the channel-as seen, for instance, in Figs. 6, 7, and S. In the application of tires to wheels wherein inside wires are enployed it is usually necessary to leave a space of more or less extent between the ends of the tire in order to ai'lord access to the inside binclingwires to braze the same, and consequently before the operation is completed it is necessary to draw the ends of' the rubber tire together, so as to close the gap therebetween left in the operation of applyng the wires. Again, where outside binding-wires are employed for clamping or holding the tire to the channel of the wheel it is customary to arrange the tire in place in the channel and then to braze or otherwise secure together the ends of a sufiicient length of wire to form the binding-Wire. In order that the binding-wire in such case may efficiently perform its function of clamping or binding the tire to the channel, it is necessary that the diameter of the ring formed by the brazing or otherwise securing together wire be slightly less than the diameter of the fiange of the channel in which the tire and its binding-Wire are to be received. This renders the application of the Wire to the tire when placed in the channel too difiicult to be accon'- plished by hand, inasmuch as the wre'is first partially placed in position and in encircling relation With respect to the channel and inside of the channel-flange, thereby leaving a portion of the Wire oustide of such ilange, as clearly indicated in Figs. l and 2, and it is among the special purposes of my present invention to provide means for conpleting the application of this portion of the bincling- Wire to the tire and to 'force the same over the edge of the flange of the channel into .its seat' IOO inside of such fiange and upon the lateral shoulder formed on the'tire. In accomplishing this work mechanically and in accordance with the principles of my invention I propose to employ means for rigidly clamping and holding the wheel against rotation, while a suitable device, power-actuated and arranged to engage underneath the unapplied portion of the wire, is caused to traverse the periphery of the wheel a sufficent distance to wedge or force the unapplied portion of the wire over the edge of the fiange into its seat. It is also among the purposes' of my invention to provide means which are power-actuated for drawing the ends of a tire together in the case where inside binding-wires are employed, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, showin various constructions embodying the princip es of my invention, reference-sign A designates a suitable supporting rame or bracket. Upon this supporting-bracket is mounted to slide a block B, carrying a pin or stud C, arranged to eXtend through the hub D of a wheel to form a support therefor. Loosely mounted to rock upon or with stud C is a block E, in which is mounted a poweractuated device which travels peripherally along the wheel to draw the ends of the tire together in the one case or to force the binding-wire into its seat, as will be more fully hereinafter set forth.

F designates the wheel-channel to which the tire is to be applied, and the tire maybe either of the inside binding-wire type, as indicated at G, Fig. 5, or of the outside binding-wire type G', as shown in Figs. 3, 6, 7, and 8.

H designates the outside binding-wires. A bracket J, suitably attached to a wall or other convenient support, is provided and forms a means for supporting the horizontal arm portion of bracket or frame A, on which the slide-block B is mounted. This supporting-bracket J carries clamping-jaws K L, (see Fig. 3,) one or both of which may be movable upon guide rods M and which clamping-jaws may be clamped together by a screw-rod N or otherwise, as may be convenient, so as to clamp the felly and channel of the wheel therebetween, as shown most clearly in Fig. 3, in order to hold the wheel rigidly against rotative movement during the operation of the binding-wire-applying device and of the device through which the ends of the tire are drawn together, as above explained.

I will first describe the device as employed for applying the binding-wire and forcing the ,same into its proper seat, particular reference being had to Figs. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8. I have before referred to the fact that upon the rod C, which supports the hub of the wheel, is pivotally mounted a block E. This block is provided with an opening' thefethr ough in which is adjustably mounte an arm or bar O, said bar being held in adjusted position in said block by means of a hand-screw P or otherwise, as may be convenient. In the form of Construction shown in Figs. 1 and 7 a bracket Q is pivotally mounted upon the end of arm O, the end of bracket Q being provided with a curved elongated slot R, (see Fig. 1,) through which and arm O passes a clamp-screw S, whereby bracket Q may be rocked or tilted relative to arm O The outer end A' of bracket Q constitutes a clamping-jaw, with which coperates a jaw B', said jaws being separable with respect to each other and held in any desired relative position by means of the clamp-screws C' D', respectively, passing through said jaws B' A'. For instance, the screw C' passes loosely through jaw B' and is threaded into a seat or opening formed in jaw A', thereby serving to draw said jaws together or to separate the same, while clamp-screw D' is tapped through' jaw A' and bears against jaw B', thereby, in efi'ect, forming a clampscrew in conjunction with adjusting-screw C' to clamp or hold the jaws A' B' in relative position; Each of the jaws A B carries a roller E@ each being peripherally grooved, as at F', and adapted to receive in such peripheral grooves the upper edges of the side fianges of the channel F. The lower ends of the aws A' B' in the form shown in Figs. 1 and 7 are arranged to fiare outwardly or away from each other, and mounted upon Or carried by such outwardly-flared portions are guide-rollers G'. By reason of the outwardly-inclined or fiaring portions H' of the jaws A' B it will be observed that the peripheries of guide-rollers G are inclined with respect to the plane of the sides of the flanges of the wheel-channel.

In the operation of the device so far described the wheel-hub D is placed in osition upon the supporting pin or studC. The arm O is adjusted through the opening in the block E, so as to permit the guide-rollers E' of the device carried at the end of arm O to rest upon the edges of the side flanges of the channel F, and in this position the arm O is clamped in the block E by clamp-screw P or otherwise, as will be apparent. Before this is done, however, the tire is applied to the channel of the wheel and the side bindingwires H are partially applied or inserted by hand or otherwise as far around the periphery of the wheel as possible, leaving only a portion thereof, as indieated at J Figs. 1 and 2, to be applied, The'clamp-jaws K L are then clamped together, so as to rigidly hold the wheel against rotative movement upon its supporting-stud C and at such a point as to bring the unapplied portion J of the binding-wires between the point where the wheel is clamped and the point where the jaws A' IOO IIO

B' engage the periphery of the wheel,` so that the inclined peripheral surfaces of rollers G' engage underneath the unap lied portions J of the side wires, as clearly s own in Fig. 1. Of course it will be obvious that it is necessary or desirable that the edge of the rollers G' next adj acent the fianges of channel F be substantially fiush with the outer edges of such fianges. Therefore, by adjustably rocking arm Q upon and with reference to arm O in one direction or the other, as may be necessary, the inner edges of the rollers G' may be brought to a point substantially flush With the outer edges of such fianges. When this adjustment is efl'ected, the arm Qis clamped in adjusted position, and it only remains to rock the arm O in a direction to cause the rollers G to travel or move peripherally along the wheel and toward the point where the wheel is clamped between the j aws K and L. This travel of the guide-rollers G' or of the supporting-jaws A' B' may be effected in any suitable or convenient manner. It will be observed that the supporting arm O is supported or hinged about an aXis concentric with the supporting-stud C, upon which the wheel is mounted, and therefore concentric with the aXis of such hub. Therefore by rocking supportingarm O the desired travel of the wire-defiecting rollers G' is accornplished. Any suitable poWer-actuated mechanism for accomplishing the swinging movement of arm O may be employed, and while I have shown and will now describe a simple arrangement for accomplishing the desired object I desire it to be understood that this feature forms in the specific details thereof no part of my present invention and may be altered or varied as desired. In the particular form shown I employ a curved rack-bar K' having a hooked end arranged to engage a stud or pin L', (see Fig. 1,) or it may be arranged to engage the clamp-rod C'. (See Fig. 2.)

Pivotally mounted at one end upon a stud or bolt M of the clamp K L is a hand-lever N carrying a pawl O arranged to coperate with the teeth of rack-bar K'. From this Construction it will be seen that I provide a ratchet arrangement operated by lever N' and by which arm' O may be rocked about the aXis of stud or pin C, thereby drawing the defiecting-rollers G' peripherally along the wheel toward the point where the wheel is clamped between the jaws K L, and hence forcing the side wires over the outer edges of the flanges of the channel and into their seats within said fianges and upon *the shoulders formed on the sides of the tire. I regard it a valuable and important feature of my invention to thus rigidly clamp or hold the wheel and to draw the wire-applying device peripherally along the wheel in the work of forcing the side wires into their proper places within the fianges of the channel, for the reason that thereby the extend against the side wires may be applied by hand 'through'- out the greater portonof the peripheral surface of the wheel, leaving only a small portion (indicated at J unapplied, and consequently a comparatively short travel of the wire-applying device peripherally along the wheel is all that is necessary to complete the application of the side wires to the wheel, thus enabling me to apply the wires quickly while imposing the least possible strain upon the wheel and without the necessity ofspecial care or attention to hold or maintain in their seats or proper positions those portions of the binding-Wires which have been applied by hand.

In F igs. 2, 6, and S I have shown a slightlymodified form, wherein the jaws A 13 the clamping-screws D 0 and guide-rollers E with their peripheral grooves F are similar in all respects to the Construction shown in Figs. l and 7 and above described. Instead, however, of outwardly flaring the j aws A B asin the case of jaws A' B', and mounting rollers G' upon such inclined or outwardlyflaring portions, so as to incline the perip 1- eral surfaces of such rollersrelative to the planes 'or sides of the flanges of the channel,

as in the Construction shown in F igs. 1 and 7, i

I employ in lieu of such rollers defiectingblocks G said blocks being adjustably mounted or otherwise suitably clamped by set-screws H or otherwise uponthe jaws A B said deflecting-blocks being .arranged to sides of the flanges of the channel F and in position to engage underneath the unapplied portion J' of the side wires, as clearly shown. In this Construction it is obvious that inasmuch as the sides of the defiecting-blocks Gr extend above the top edges `of the fianges of the channel the rocking adjustment of the jaws A B upon their supporting-arm O is unnecessary.

IOO

Therefore the arm Q is not pivotally mountr ed upon arm O, but is'rigidly clamped thereto. In other respects the operation remains the same as above described. In case inside wires are employed, as in Figs. 4 and 5, instead of forcing the wires over the edges of the fianges of the channel, as in the instances above described, it is only i necessary to employ the device to draw the ends of the tire together after the application oi" the tire and its binding-Wires to the channel. In this device an arm or bracket Q is bolted to the end of arm O, and said bracket is arranged to form one jaw A of a clamp, a co erating aw B being associated therewit and movable toward the same in any convenient manner-as, for instance, by means of a clamp-screw C so as to clamp the tire therebetween, as clearly shown in Figs. 4 and 5. In other respects the operation is the same as that above described, the clamp-jaws A B when clamped together upon the tire being caused to travel peripherally along the wheel bythe rocking of anno, while the wheel is rigi'dly *or securely held, thereby drawing the ends of the tire together.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that I provide an exceedingly simple and efiicient Construction, economical in manufacture, and by means of whch.tires may be quickly applied to wheels and wherein the side wires in certain classes of tiresthat is, tires employing side binding-Wiresare effioiently and expedtiously applied. It

will also be seen that in either casethe wheel is rigidly held against rotative movement 'While the tire or Wire applying devices are in operation, and consequently it is necessary to operate over onl a limited eXtent of the periphery of the W eel, and hence enabling the work to be accomplished rapidly and 'without imposing any undue strain upon the wheel itself. Any strain in the operation of applying the side wires is in the direction of the length of the spokes rather than in a direction transverse to thelength of the spokes in the case where the wheel is itself rotated.

Having now set forth the object and nature of my invention and various constructions embodying the principlesthereof, I desire it to be understood that many variations and changes 'in the details of Construction and arrangement of parts would readil occur to persons s'killed in the art and sti l fall within the spirit and scope of my invention. I do not desire, therefore, to be limited or restricted to the exact and specific details shown and described; but

What I claim as new and useful and of my own invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a tire-applying'device, a wheel-support, means for clamping the wheel against rotary movement upon its rotary support, an

ernesa arm pivotally mounted eoneentric 'with the wheel-support, 'a bracket 'carried by said arm and including jaws, defiecting-rollers carried by said 'jaws' and' arranged to engage underneath the unapplied portions of the tire-binding wires, said bracket being pivotally mounted upon said arm for rocking adjustment relative thereto, means for clamping said bracket in ad'usted position, Whereby the peripheral sur aces of said rollers may be brought substantially flush with the edges of the fianges of the wheel-channel, and means for rocking said arm, as and for the purpose set forth.

2. In a tire-applyng device, a supportingframe, a stud carried thereby and arranged to eXtend through the hub of a wheel to support the same, means for clamping the wheel against rotary movement upon said stud, an arm pivotally mounted upon said stud, a bracket pivotally mounted upon said arm for rocking adjustment relative thereto and including aWs, means for clamping said bracket in adjusted position, means for moving said j aWs toward and from each other, guide-rollers carried by said jaws and arranged to rest upon the edges of the fianges of the wheelchannel, defiecting-rollers also mounted upon said jaws and in inclined relation with respect to the planes of said fianges, said deflecting-rollers being arranged to engage underneath the unapplied portions of the tirebinding wires, and means for rocking said arm, as and for the purpose set forth.

In 'witness 'Whereof I have hereunto set my hand, this 20th day of November, 1903, in the presence of the subscribing witnesses.

. AXEL R. LE MOON.

Witnesses:

CHAs. H. SEEM, S. E. DARBY. 

